Cookies

We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. If you click accept my preferences we'll assume that you are happy to receive all cookies on our website. Visit our Cookie Policy and our Privacy Policy for more information about managing your cookies.

Sign In

Confirm

Rise in eating disorder hospitalisations reported

News, 12 February 2014

More and more young people are being hospitalised with eating disorders, and those needing treatment are getting younger according to a new report from charity Beat.

Between 2012 and 2013, there was an 8% rise - a total of 2,560 admissions. In that time, nine times as many females as males were admitted. The most common age for an eating issue is 15 for girls and 13 for boys.

The charity estimates that 1.6 million people in the UK have an eating disorder and one in five is thought to be male. However, the Department of Health does not keep records showing exactly how many people in England are affected - it only keeps records on hospital admissions, so it can be hard to judge how widespead the problem is.

Charities blame a number of factors, but say society’s obsession with weight and social media sites, all have a part to play.

For help, online support for eating disorders, as well as a list of UK-wide self-help groups, visit www.b-eat.co.uk